Star-gazers can expect clear skies and a quarter-moon for the Memorial Day holiday. Forecasters predict 77 degrees by Monday and heating up throughout next week. Surf of 2-3 feet is expected at the start of the weekend, with increasing wind and water temps of 65 degrees. Photo by Monica Petrova.

Expect pageantry, pancakes, patriotic songs and police patrols

Local resident and U.S. District Judge David O. Carter is the guest speaker at the 85th Memorial Day ceremony Monday, May 28, hosted by Laguna Beach’s American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars.

The remembrance of comrades who died in wars and conflicts protecting the country takes place at Monument Point in Heisler Park at 11 a.m. Those having flowers delivered should get them in place by 10:30 a.m. and contact Diane Connell at 949-494-2065.

Prior to the ceremony and also in the park, the Laguna Beach Exchange Club plans its annual pancake breakfast from 7 to 10:30 a.m., where local police and firefighters cook and serve breakfast at the picnic area below the corner of Myrtle and Cliff Drives.

Laguna Tots show off their moves at an earlier Exchange Club picnic breakfast.

A magician and the cast of Laguna Tots will perform, said spokeswoman and organizer Sande St John.

Las Brisas and White House restaurants provide the entrees while the Orange Inn supplies coffee. Proceeds from the $5 tab are donated to child abuse prevention as well as community and youth projects, she said.

Later at 12:30 p.m., the Laguna Concert Band tunes up on the Main Beach cobblestones for a free hour-long concert.

Fire chief Kris Head serves up breakfast at an earlier Exchange Club park breakfast.

Laguna police also have plans for the weekend, May 25-28, and will increase its patrol staff in an effort to identify and remove DUI offenders from the roadways and reduce deaths and injuries from alcohol related crashes. The department believes publicizing the enforcement effort deters drinking and driving.

The department suggests planning a safe way home before the festivities begin; designating a sober driver; if impaired, using a taxi or calling a sober friend. If you know someone who is about to drive or ride while impaired, take their keys and help them make other arrangements, the department suggests.